"Networking” is not a dirty word, and other secrets to finding your next role

 

This post is inspired by the wonderful people I’ve met lately through the joys of online conferences, webinars and random LinkedIn outreaches (aka, networking). 

As a UX Researcher, it’s not surprising that I find people endlessly fascinating. I crave meeting new people and enjoy learning what drives them, what they don’t enjoy and how they go through life. With that background, it’s probably not surprising that I enjoy networking. But, if you say the word networking to most people, they will shirk, make a face of disdain and then turn to their phone and ignore you. 

“Networking” gets a bad reputation largely because people are afraid of walking into a room full of people they don’t know and they are afraid of looking like they don’t know things. Networking has a sense of vulnerability attached to it. Many people also perceive it as an “ask” or a one-way interaction rather than an exchange and a two way interaction.

Networking doesn’t have to mean walking into a room of people, asking to be hired and making sure you know all the things! It should mean, seeking a meaningful connection, shared interests, sharing insights and sharing resources. Networking is shorthand for creating and nurturing a professional community that can benefit all who take part. That said, I’d like to propose new ways of thinking about increasing the number and quality of people you know in your industry (see what I did there?)

The new networking. 

Utilize LinkedIn. As you see people commenting on topics you are interested in, reach out. More often than not, a simple note about how you have common passions or interests will make the way for a local coffee or remote meeting between two people who already have something in common. 

Attend conferences and meet-ups You can attend both remotely or in person. You will already have a built in connection and area of interest simply because of the fact that you are both at an event about a particular topic. Talking about that topic is *gasp* networking! You don’t have to ask for anything; just exchange ideas with someone new. After you exchange ideas, you can exchange contact information. The more you share, the more the other person is likely to share. 

Attend an event with a friend, spouse or co-worker. You don’t have to go it alone, but also make sure you don’t fall into the trap of only talking to the person you came with. If you don’t feel comfortable approaching people for your own needs, do it for the person you attended the event with. “Hi, I’m Janna, this is my friend Philip. We wanted to meet some new people tonight.” You can follow up with a conversation about that person’s work or hobbies or most recent travel just to get a conversation going.

Think of it as learning about someone new. 

In school and growing up, we often meet new people. There’s a new kid on the playground in elementary school. There are tons of new people when we go to college, there are even new people when we take a new job, whether we are 18 or 48. So, why are we afraid to reach out and meet new people when looking for a job? When you meet someone new, look for that common ground. Maybe you both like to watch synchronized swimming, maybe you both left jobs recently and need support in the transition. Whatever it is, find a place of commonality and the conversation will go much more smoothly. It may be a one off, or it may be a longer connection. The key is to connect on some level. Not everyone has to be a lifelong friend, but the more people you know, the more information you gather. 

Still not comfortable? Ok, think about meeting new people as an exercise for someone else! Maybe you have a friend who published a book you want to talk about, or a friend seeking a new role, or an ex colleague looking for clients. Can you help them? Use that person as your entry point to conversation rather than yourself. It’s likely the conversation will also come around to you and your skills, but if it doesn’t, you’ve supported someone else and doesn’t that feel good? 

Realize that these conversations are a two way street. 

Many people are uncomfortable talking to new people whether one on one in a Zoom call or in line for drinks at a large event. But, as soon as people start talking, it often feels better, more connected and engaging. 

Be vulnerable, Feel connected

As a wrap up, “networking” doesn’t have to be a dirty word! Find ways to meet new people, by attending online events, going to in person events with a buddy and reaching out 1:1 via LinkedIn. Remember we are all vulnerable, we are all looking to connect. Taking the step to reach out shows courage and will often provide return on investment in ways you couldn’t have imagined.